Free Christmas parking boost for Paisley motorists

Free Christmas parking boost for Paisley motorists

Motorists and businesses in Paisley town centre are set to benefit from
free parking in the run up to Christmas.

The exact details and dates for the scheme are still being finalised.
However, there is agreement from some of the leading public and private
organisations in Paisley that a free parking scheme will operate in the run
up to Christmas.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay, who also chairs the Paisley
Vision Board, said:  “We have been working on this proposal for some time
and are delighted at the support we have received so far to develop a
practical proposal for free parking to help shoppers and businesses during
the Christmas period. The message is Paisley is very much open for business
this Christmas.

“Along with Paisley Vision and Renfrewshire Council, we’re getting the
backing of the Threadneedle, the owners of The Piazza, and also the
University of the West of Scotland.  We are hoping that other private
sector car park operators will participate in the scheme.”

Councillor Mackay believes that the free parking scheme is further evidence
of partnership working “delivering for Paisley.”

“It’s very encouraging that those companies are coming on board and seeing
the practical benefits that a co-ordinated approach in Paisley can bring.

“There’s an increasing sense that positive changes are happening in Paisley
even in a very difficult economic period.  Renfrewshire Council has secured
£1.8m for the town centre and £1.5million in heritage lottery funding for
Paisley this year.  There’s been continuing work to enhance the environment
and improve community safety.  These are real successes for Paisley.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Renfrewshire Council’s Roads Spokesperson, said:
“Making access easier to Paisley town centre for motorists is a top
priority.

“The decision to open up to motorists the former bus lanes in St Mirren
Street, part of the High Street and part of Gauze Street has been made
permanent.

“Renfrewshire Council has also confirmed a £500,000 investment to refurbish
Central Road in Paisley which will benefit motorists and bus passengers.

“As for the imminent free parking scheme, it’s about striking a balance
between increasing access to and availability of parking and not seeing
those free parking spaces ‘clogged up’ by people leaving their cars there
all day.  We’ll monitor how the scheme works over Christmas.”